Hi Birders
Once again the weather gods smiled upon us and 5 counters got on their way.
It appears that us counters are fast becoming some sort of cult figures with a large following waiting with bated breath for word of what happened each week. There is talk of a book and we are currently in the process of contacting our publisher to see if we can match the likes of Harry Potter or James Bond.
I thought that it was going to be a little lean this week, but the swans had decided that they liked Cowichan hospitality so much that half had decided to stay over for a few more days. In a strange twist exactly half of the adults had stayed over from last week and about 75% of immatures. Canada Geese dropped by a long ways and we did see Geese flying north as we started our count.
After a few stops all we had to show for our work were some Canada Geese, but we soon found some swans at Mt. Sicker Road, this in turn settled down the counters into their usual swing of things and it didn’t take long to find 2 Red-tailed Hawks and 5 Turkey Vultures flying in the skies looking like they were having just as much fun as us.
We added about another 100 or so Geese before we hit Corfield/Sahilton Roads, here we were treated to a nice group of 130 Swans.
The large group of Swans off Koksilah west had all gone and it appeared as though the farmer had been spreading some sweat smelling liquid aroma, it is obvious that even swans can’t stand this stink.
Bench once again came through with nearly 100 swans but Dougan’s Flats was a total loss with just 2 Canadas to show for our keen eyes.
St. Catherine’s Drive one of our favourite spots showed many birds, but only a single California Quail tried to implant itself on the front of the truck.
Jim’s Pond had nearly a score of Geese and our favourite nags still had their blankies on letting us know in no uncertain way that the cold is still with us.
Koksilah Road east produced the most birds with a nice group of both swans and geese, two Cackling Geese were also seen at this location and were dully snapped by one photographer with great comparisons when caught standing beside a regular sized Goose. Here again we had Red-tailed Hawk and Turkey Vultures.
I have been told that taking a snap was not appropriate in this day and age of electronics and that i should refer to the pictures taken as expensive digital images, which ever way some gooduns were had.
Our day finished on the Dock Road where we finally caught up with some Mute Swans which were spied from the Cow-Bay Road but vanished on us at Hecate Park. It was almost certain that they wanted to be counted on the north side and not to be seen begging for tit-bits at the park.
With only one more count to go this term things are looking good for the Swans with increased numbers all round, it will take a few more years before we can get any good insight into if they are stable or going up and down.
This was my last count of the season as I will be under the influence of gas and pain medication at the time of next weeks count as I get my new bionic knee. I know it pains my fellow counters not to have me there to guide them, but my pain will be far greater then theirs.
Another great season achieved, thanks to all who took part and thanks to all our groupies for continuing to follow us weekly.
Good Birding
Derrick